LloydE.Spencer

Lloyd E. Spencer was born Nov. 7, 1929, to Theodore and Sylvia Spencer in Hemingford, Neb.

Lloyd passed away on Sunday morning, March 30, 2014 at his home in Burlington.

When Lloyd was young he spent most of his youth in Lyman, Neb. where he learned about hard work and being a part of the community.

Lloyd grew up the oldest of five brothers (Dallas, Vernon, Billy, and Junior).

His father was traveling during that time and Lloyd learned that he would have to step up and help his mother. This act became the corner stone of Lloyd's personality. He was a care giver.

In January 1949, Lloyd enlisted in the Army of the United States. Lloyd learned typing and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan during the Korean Conflict. He worked for a Major as a clerk and Provost Marshall. Lloyd was honorably discharged January 17, 1953.

Lloyd made his way back to Lyman, Neb. where he happened upon a young lady that took his heart; Betty Jean Hartwig.

Lloyd and Betty were wed in the winter of 1953 and to this union they conceived five children: Jeffery, Norman, Colleen, Judith, and John.

Lloyd and Betty started out their marriage in Milford, Neb. as Lloyd went to school at the NE Technical School for Electronics that landed him a job in Sidney, Neb. working for North Western Bell.

Lloyd was instrumental with installation and troubleshooting of microwave equipment.

While working for North Western Bell, Lloyd and Betty purchased a few small local motels and Lloyd would work evenings and spend his days and weekends fixing them up.

Lloyd was a member of the Masonic Temple and enjoyed bowling.

Lloyd retired after 23 years with North Western Bell but was not done. He packed up his family and moved to Gunnison where he and Betty purchased a resort.

Betty enjoyed her love for cooking and feeding the world and Lloyd enjoyed the fishing at Blue Mesa and the elk that drank out of their creek in front of the house.

Lloyd had his first heart attack in Gunnison in 1981 which lead him to Burlington in 1983. Lloyd and Betty owned and operated the Burlington Inn, Century Lanes, Coastal – Burlington; he also purchased motel/hotels in Sterling, Hays, Kan., Hutchinson, Kan, Wichita Falls, Texas, Amarillo, Texas; and Garden City, Kan.

Lloyd was an entrepreneur and always was working with the family in mind. He loved to spend time telling stories and reminiscing with friends.

His mind was forever writing poems to commemorate an occasion or show his love. He will be missed by his family and friends.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Junior, brothers Dallas and Billy, sons Jeffery and Norman.

Lloyd leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Betty Jean, children Colleen (Bruce) of Burlington; Judith (Gene) of Burlington; and John of Anchorage, Alaska.

Also surviving him are brother Vernon (Joan) Spencer of Greeley; grandchildren, Joshua, Ryan, and Allison (Spencer) of Missouri, Sarah Spencer of South Carolina; Jason Blake of Burlington; Michael Blake of Hudson; Tasha Fuchs of Atwood, Kan, and Tina Fuchs of Walden.